Mississippi Economic Council stresses its support for Common Core

View full sizeSen. Angela Burks Hill calls for the legislature to end Mississippi's participation in Common Core, the State Standards Initiative that established a single set of educational standards for kindergarten through 12th grade in English language arts and mathematics, at the Capitol in Jackson, Miss., Tuesday, Jan. 7, 2014. Opponents of Common Core hope to convince legislators into ending the initiative. Lawmakers return to the Capitol Tuesday for a three-month session this year. (AP Photo/Rogelio V. Solis)

JACKSON, Mississippi -- The Mississippi Economic Council is redoubling its support for Common Core academic standards.

Executive Director Blake Wilson says Wednesday that implementation of Common Core is one of MEC's top issues for the 2014 Legislature, saying: "We cannot turn away."

State Superintendent of Education Carey Wright says she's committed to the standards, continuing her strong support.

Common Core is meant to ensure American students learn the same things across states and to encourage more analytical thinking. Opponents are alarmed by federal support, saying the standards boil down to an intrusive federal takeover of Mississippi's schools.

About two dozen tea party-led opponents met Tuesday at the Capitol to demand lawmakers repeal Common Core's adoption in Mississippi.